Regional Plan Association applauds the decision by the Mayor's office and New York City Department of Transportation to make permanent a pilot pedestrian project along Broadway at Times and Herald Squares. "Times and Herald Squares have been iconic public spaces of New York for over a century but in reality they have never lived up to the glitz," said Bob Yaro, president, Regional Plan Association. "To many, the areas have been auto-oriented traffic jams that worked neither for pedestrians or drivers. The decision to permanently reclaim part of the pavement for safer streets and more free-flowing traffic is an idea RPA has been pushing for over forty years. This move should be embraced by New Yorker's and tourists alike."
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FROM: Regional Plan Association

CONTACT: Neysa Pranger at (917) 532-0567; npranger@rpa.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 11, 2010
RPA APPLAUDS ANNOUNCEMENT FOR PERMANENT PEDESTRIAN PLAZAS ALONG BROADWAY
(New York, NY) Regional Plan Association applauds the decision by the Mayor's office and New York City Department of Transportation to make permanent a pilot pedestrian project along Broadway at Times and Herald Squares.
"Times and Herald Squares have been iconic public spaces of New York for over a century but in reality they never lived up to the glitz," said Bob Yaro, president, Regional Plan Association. "To many, the areas have been auto-oriented traffic jams that worked neither for pedestrians or drivers. The decision to permanently reclaim part of the pavement for safer streets and more free-flowing traffic is an idea RPA has been pushing for over forty years. This move should be embraced by New Yorker's and tourists alike."
While the newly reconfigured street grid has not produced all the anticipated traffic benefits, RPA expects the city will continue to refine the area through improved signaling and grid modifications.
RPA is particularly heartened by commitments by the city to engage in a world-class design process, which will outfit these spaces with all the amenities they deserve, from innovative lighting to permanent street furniture.
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